Draft rigging



Jan. 4, 1938. E. H. BLATTNER l 2,104,114

DRAFT RIGGING Filed July l1, 1933 5 Sheecsl-Sheel'l 2 l biot/wu* Jan. 4, 1938. E. H. BLATTNER 2,104,114

DRAFT RIGGING Filed July 11, 1955 5she'1sshee1 s- I \l 41 T il@ l l g55 176 74 f5@ ZW Y .feb

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wuayslof E. H. BLATTNER Jan.4,193s.

DRAFTRIGGING 5 sheets-sheet 4 Filed July ll, 1935 Jan. 4, 1938. E. H. BLATTNER 2,104,114

DRAFT RIGGING Filed July ll, 1935 @Sheets-Sheet 5 Illlllllllllllllm illllllllllllll Patented Jan. 4, 1938 UNl'rEo STATES mailt PATE OFFliE Y.

flpplieationduly 11, 1933, Serial No. 679,951

15 Claims.y

This invention relates to a particular yform of cushioning mechanism and its arrangement with railway draft rigging so that a greater amount of travel and shock absorbing capacity may be pro- '5` vided for buing movement of an associated coupler as compared with draft movement thereof.

The principal object of my invention, generally considered, is to provide a cushioning mechanism 1"? which may be double-ended for providing for the absorption of a greater amount of. bufling forces than draft forces, as well as providing for a greater amount of coupler travel on buff than on draft, or may be single-ended for efliciently ab- 35 scrbing draft and bufng forces with the provision for a similar capacity for both purposes.

Another object of my invention is the provision of cushioning mechanism comprising a housing which may be described as bottle shaped, at both ends or at one end, in that the neck or outer opening to said housing is smaller than the body thereof, whereby inwardly diverging friction surfaces are provided for engagement with wedge blocks which have their sharpuends disfjg posed outwardly, said wedge blocks being separated by a spreader wedge which engages the adjacent surfaces thereof and urged ktoward the outer opening or neck of the housing by curved plate springs acting on an intermediate follower je which, in turn, frictionally engages the inner surfaces of said wedge blocks.

e. further object of my invention is the provision of cushioning mechanism involving a housing, anA outer follower with a separate or combined spreader wedge and associated wedges acting through an intermediate follower on curved plate springs in such a manner that a relatively large movement of the outer follower and spreader wedge compresses` the plate springs only a rela- 1 tively small amount, whereby said springs may be of high capacity with provision for only relatively small compressibility.

Other objects and advantages of the invention relating to the particular arrangement and con- .5 struction of the various Vparts will become apas the description proceeds. f

Referring to the drawings illustrating my in sentieri, the scope whereof is defined by the appended claims:- v

Figure l is a partial side elevational view and partial verticallongitudinal sectional view of one form. of my cushioning mechanism shown assembled with associated draft rigging, portions of the associated cheek plates and backstop being diagrammatically illustrated.

(Cl. Z13- 26) Figure 2 is a fragmentary plan of the mechanism shown in Figure 1, with portions in horizontal section.

Figure 3 is a transverse sectional view on the line 3-3 of Figure'l, looking in the direction 5r of the arrows.

Figure 4 is a longitudinal sectional view cfa modified form of. cushioning mechanism.

Figures 5 and 6 are transverse sectional views on the lines 5-.5 and %-`-5, respectively, of Fig- 10 ure 4.

Figure 7 is a fragmentary view, partly in side elevation and partly in longitudinal section, and showing another embodiment of my cushioning mechanism. Y

Figure 8 is `a longitudinal sectional view on the line 8-8 of Figure '7, looking in the direction of the arrows.

Figure 9 is a partial side elevation and partial longitudinal sectional view illustrating another 20 embodiment of my invention.

Figure 10 is a transverse sectional view on the line llllil of Figure 9, looking in the direction of the arrows.

Figure l1 is a longitudinal sectional View illustrating another embodiment of my cushioning mechanism, the manner of assembly of said mechanism being diagrammatically illustrated in dot-dash lines.

Figure 12 is a longitudinal sectional view illus- '30 trating another embodiment of my invention.

, Figure 13 is a longitudinal sectional View illustrating the manner of assembly and disassemy bly of one embodiment of. my invention.

Figure 14'is a longitudinal'sectional View show- `35 ing still another embodimenty of my invention.

Figure l5 is a longitudinal sectional View illustrating a further form of my invention.

Figure 16 is an end elevational View of the embodiment of my invention illustrated in Fig- 40 ure 15.

Figure 1'7 is a fragmentaryA longitudinal sectional view illustrating another embodiment of my invention. Y

Figure 18 is a similar view illustrating a further-45 embodiment of my invention.

' Referringrto the drawings in detail, like parts being designated by like reference characters, and rst considering the embodiment ofY my invention illustrated in Figures l, 2 and 3, there is 50 shown a double-ended series friction draft gear! comprising a housing, casing or column member 2, with side walls 3 slotted-as indicated at 4, for receiving a draft key or other stop means 5 which extends through slots B in cheek plates 'l and 55 associated draft sills 8, and holds the member or housing 2 against movement under the action of draft forces, while permitting rearward movement thereof under the action of buing forces on account of the slots E being extended rearwardly olf the normal position of the key 5.

In the present embodiment of my invention, the housing 2 is formed double bottle shaped, that is, it is open at both ends, as indicated at 9, the openings being restricted, as compared with the intermediate transverse section of the housing, a pair of opposite walls of said housing terminating in outwardly converging portions Iii and iii which provide interior outwardly converging friction surfaces ii and il'.

Associated with the housing 2 are wedge blocks i2 and I2', generally triangular and approximately equilateral, in section, as shown in Figure 1, said blocks having outer faces I3 and i3' frictionally engaging the friction surfaces II and II on the housing at the respective ends, said surfaces i3 and i3 being respectively disposed at angles corresponding with the angularity of the surfaces II and II', so that the inner surfaces i4 and ILS of said wedge blocks are disposed transverse to the longitudinal axis of the housing.

Disposed between the wedge blocks I2 and I2, at the ends of the housing, are spreader wedges i5 and i5 which, in the present embodiment, are combined with the followers I6 and Iii' and complete the differential wedge arrangement. The wedge portion i5 of the combined member nts between the adjacent wedges I2 and has inwardly converging friction surfaces I l which engage corresponding friction surfaces i8 on the wedge blocks, and a corresponding arrangement exists at the rear end of the gear. In order to hold the parts in assembled relation and prevent the spreader wedges I5 and I5' from getting out of position with respect to the wedge blocks I2 and I2', said spreader wedges and wedge blocks have normally abutting shoulders Iii-I9 and 2li-zii', respectively, which may be formed by lugs on the spreader wedges, relatively narrow as compared with the Width of said wedges, fitting in correspondingly narrow grooves in the wedge blocks, which serve to limit outward movement of the spreader wedges I5 and I5 with respect to the 'wedge blocks I2 and I2', which, of course, assists the converging portions ID and It in limiting movement of the wedge blocks I2 and l2 outwardly of the housing 2.

For opposing compression of and releasing the gear or cushioning mechanism I, there is provided a'relatively large number or nest of curved plate springs 2I for the mechanism at each end of the housing, said springs being desirably curved concavely inward with the ends of the inner spring of each group supported by transversely extending abutment portions 22 which are desirably integral with the housing. A few of the inner springs ZI are made narrower than the remainder, as shown in Fig. 2, to clear the inwardly extending bosses or reinforcements around the slots 4 upon full compression of the springs 2i and 2|. If desired, liners 23 with longitudinally extending main portions 24, serving to guide said springs, and transversely bent end portions 25, on which the spring ends slide when the gear is compressed, engaging the abutment portions 22 of the housing and desirably notched, as indicated at 25 to receive nibs 2l, on the innermost springs, may be provided for holding said springs in position, it being understood that, if desired, all of the springs of each stack or nest may be correspondingly nibbed on the concave sides and provided with depressions corresponding with said nibs on the convex sides of said plates, to keep the springs in proper rela-v tive positions, as shown in the Suckow Patent No. 1,884,913.

In order to avoid gouging between the innermost spring plates 2! and the liners 23, the engaging edges of said liners are desirably ground to provide slightly convex bearing surfaces, so that chiseling action cannot start. To further improve the operation, the surfaces of the transverse portions of said liners, which are engaged by said plates, are coated or plated with lead, desirably to a thickness of about one sixtyfourth of an inch.

Disposed between the convex sides of the spring nests and the associated wedge blocks I2 and I 2 are intermediate followers '22, said followers receiving release pressure direct from the convex sides of the springs and engaging the inner faces or sides of the wedge blocks t2 and I2. All of the friction faces or one of each pair of friction faces may, if desired, be provided with lead inserts 29 to eliminate sticking and provide for smooth operation.

The intermediate follower 28 includes a wear plate member "iii providing an outer or friction surface for the follower 23 adapted to be frictionally engaged by the transversely disposed inner surfaces if: and it of the wedge blocks I2 and I2', respectively. The spring contacting surface 5e of the follower 23 is cylindrically concave about radii preferably larger than the normal curvature of the springs 2i and 2i so that when the springs are compressed under a predetermined travel. the final curvature of the springs wiil conform to the curvature of the surface The reason for such a curvature on the follower is that with a fiat follower and with spring travel determined so that the leaves theoretically do not go quite fiat the actual shape of the compressed spring is not a single curve of slight final crown, but a triple curve. The outer third of the spring retains a portion of the original curvature, while the middle third has been urged beyond fiat and curves in the opposite direction, thereby giving two points of contraflexure. The disadvantage of so curving a plate spring or stack of springs is that while the resistance is augmented by the provision of the triple curvature, because there are virtually then two very short spans instead of a full length span, yet the medial portion is overstressed by being urged beyond the theoretical travel and forces to reverse its direction of curvature. The result of thus stressing the spring, or springs, that the fatigue life is relatively low.

Experiment has shown that by starting the springs with a much higher initial camber, using a curved follower as indicated at 28, and leaving the springs compressed with a correspondingly higher crown, said springs do not adopt the triple curve above referred to, and actual fiber stresses are, therefore, low. For otherwise identical groups the springs 2i have the same or a higher capacity and a longer life.

Although the mechanism at the two ends of the housing 2, that is, the housing construction, the springs 2l the intermediate followers 28, the wedge blocks I2 and l2', and the spreader wedges I5 and I5 may be identical at both sides of the transverse central plane of the mechanism, yet, in the present embodiment, I have shown the construction at the front lend suiciently different, by makingY the spreader wedge portion I5 blunter, and the angularity of the friction surfaces adjacent the front end of the housing 2 less, than the corresponding portions adjacent the rear end, that the travel of the front follower portion I6 before it engages the front end of the housing is less than the travel of the rear follower portion I6' before it goessolid against the housing 2.

The operation of the gear of the present embodiment may be as follows, although it will be understood that, if desired, saidmechanism may wedge I5' into the housing 2, carrying the rear wedge blocks |2 along at a slower rate and, in turn, pushing the rear intermediate followers 28 and 1U into the housing,v and attening out the associated curved plate springs 2| which rest on the liners, it being understood that the housing 2 is prevented from forward movement by the connecting draft key 5, which extends through rearwardly elongated slots 32 in the. arms of the yoke 3| and engages the cheek plates 1 at the front ends of the slots 6 therein.

Under the action of puffing force, however, the coupler 3B engages the front follower It and pushes the associated spreader wedge portion i5 between the front wedge blocks |2, moving said wedge blocks and associated intermediate Yfollowers 28 and 'l0 rearwardly at a slower rate to compress or flatten out the associatedcurved plate springs 2| which rest on the liners 23 and abutment portions 22 of the housing.

On account of the rearward elongation of the slot 6 in the cheek plates 1 and sills 8 of the associated railway vehicle, Ythe housing`2 moves rearwardly during the compression of the mechanism of the front end, causing a corresponding comgear is permitted under the action of bufling force,v

not only providing for increased -buiiing capacity,

but for a coupler travel equal tothe sumrof thel travel permitted by thefriction elements at each end of the gear. Although I have shown a gear or cushioning mechanism in which the travel at the front end is less than that'at the rear end, it will be understood that this is not essential in accordance with the broad aspect of my inven- V tion, as the part of the gear in Fig. 2 which is not shown may correspond'with that shown.

Referring now to the embodiment of my invention illustrated in Figures 4, 5 andv 6, I have provided a single-ended friction draft gear |a comprising a housing or column member 2a with vboth pairs of opposite side walls 3a and 34 slotted,

as indicated at 4a and 35, respectively, for receiving an associated draft keyl (not shown) for connecting the housing to the associated cheek plates anddraft sills in a manner similar to the connection illustrated in Figure 2. On' account lof interior outwardly having the housing 2a slotted, as shown, it, in ef fect, functions as a combined housing and front follower. By having not only the side walls but also the top and bottom walls slotted for receiving a draft key, with the corresponding ends of the slots lying in the same transverse planes, the

housing need not be increased in length and may vloe arranged horizontally or vertically between the sills for use with either a vertical yoke or a horizontal yoke, as desired, the slots not receiving the draft key functioning as inspection and lightening apertures.

In the present embodiment of my invention, the housing 2EL is formed bottle shape, that is, it is open at one end, as indicated at 9a, said opening being restricted, as compared with the remaining section of the housing, a pair of opposite walls 34 of the housing terminating in outwardly converging portions lilad which provide converging friction surfaces Ils.

Associated with the housing 2rd are wedge blocks i2a generally triangular in section, as shown in Figure 4,` said blocks having outer faces la fric-V tionally engaging the friction surfaces lla on the housing, said surfaces isa being disposed at angles corresponding with the angularity of the surfaces ||LV so that the inner surfaces I4EL of said Wedge Yblocks are normally disposed transverse to the longitudinal axis of the housing. The laterally outermost corners of the blocks are desirably notched out, as in the preceding embodiment and certain of the succeeding embodiments, as indicated at 61, to clear the liners 23a and the liner engaging ribs 68.

Disposed between the wedge blocks i2a is a spreader wedge l5a which completes the differential wedge arrangement. The spreader wedge I5a fits between the adjacent wedges i2a and has inwardly converging friction surfaces Via which engage corresponding friction surfaces I'fl on the wedge blocks. In order to hold the parts in assembled relation and to prevent the spreader Wedge I5a from getting out of position with respect to the wedge blocks |212 said spreader wedgeA desirably has extensions 3E, relatively narrow Yas in thepreceding embodiment, to avoid any large loss in the friction areas, fitting in corresponding pockets 3'! in the wedge blocks |221, whichxeonstruction provides for the normally abutting shoulders lSa and 2te on thespreader wedge and wedge blocks, respectively, and the engagement serves to limit outward movement of the spreader wedge ida which, of course, also limits corresponding movement of the wedge blocks l2a outwardly of the housing 2a. The foregoing construction permits the assembly of the spreader wedge |511, after the remaining parts are in the housing, by pushing it in place between the wedge blocks |23, until the shouldered portions I9a and 20a snap into engagement with one another, as in the preceding and certain of the succeeding embodiments.

For opposing compression of and releasing the gear or cushioning mechanism le, there is provided a relatively large number or stack of curved y end portions 25 engaging the abutment portions 22e of the housing and desirably notched, as inw dicated at 26a, to receive nibs El@ on the innermost springs, may be provided for holding said springs in position, it being understood that the springs 2ia are desirably formed like the springs 2i of the preceding embodiment, and the liners may likewise be coated or plated with lead.

Disposed between the convex side of the spring stack and the associated wedge blocks lal is an intermediate follower 23a, including a spring steel follower wear plate 38, said follower receiving release pressure from the convex sides of the springs and frictionally engaging the inner faces or sides of the wedge blocks ifa. Lead inserts 2da may be provided, as in the preceding embodiment. The wear plate 38 is desirably normally curved to cooperate with the spring stack and increase the total travel. Some of its individual travel provides a means for returning the gear parts to pocket length, when the main springs 2 la lag due to friction between the leaves thereof. In due course, such friction would be relieved, and the main springs would regain their original cainber, subjectronly to the relatively small resistance of the outer curved combination plunger release spring, interior follower wear plate 38.

The operation of the gear of the present embodiment may correspond with that of the rear mechanism and slotted portion of the gear housing of the preceding embodiment, it being understood that the gear la may be used with a rear follower |62* and embraced by a yoke 35a associm ated with a backstop 33a and all disposed between associated draft sills (not shown), the front end of the housing 2a being engaged by the rear portion of an associated coupler or drawbar Sila, whereby said gear is fully operable under both buff and draft, as will be understood.

Referring now to the embodiment of my invention illustrated in Figures '7 and 8, there is provided a selective travel draft gear ib corresponding substantially with that illustrated in Figures l, 2 and 3, except that instead of having slots ab only for receiving a key extending the short way through the housing 2b, we also have slots 35h for receiving a key extending the long way-through the housing, as in the embodiment of Figures li, 5 and 6. Further differences reside in the fact that the wedge blocks 52h and the combined center wedge and follower leb at each end of the gear are maintained assembled with the housing by a pin 3i] extending into notches fi in the blocks ilb through a slot M in the spreader wedge i5b, and with its ends extending into receptacles or pockets ft2 and fifi in the end portion of the housing 2b. The pin Se is desirably prevented from loss or undesired removal by having the outer portion of the pocket partially closed by an apertured wall dii, and the outer portion of the pocket i3 closed after application of the pin 39 by a desirably flat re-Y tainer Q5 inserted through slots and bent to locked position after application, like the retainer 65C in Fig. 9. The slot 4l inthe wedge ib is suficiently elongated to permit the desired com pression of the gear, while limiting outward movement thereof beyond the position illustrated in Figures 7 and 8.

in the present embodiment, each intermediate follower 28b includes a spring plate wear meinber'fib, curved when free of compression, and functioning like the plate 38 of the embodiment of Figures 4, 5 and 6, except that it is shown as lighter and provides the outer or friction surface for the follower 28h and is engaged by the Wedges lZb, rather than being the inner element of said follower and engaging the plate springs 2lb. Except as specifically described, the gear may correspond substantially with that of Figures 1, 2 and 3, it being understood that although a little more than half of the gear is illustrated, the parts not shown desirably correspond with the parts shown. As in Figures l, 2 and 3, the center wedges i510 may have integral follower portions lh.

Referring now to the embodiment of my invention illustrated in Figures 9 and 10, I have provided a single-ended gear i@ like that of Figures fl, 5 and 6,Y but without the slotted portions functioning as a front follower. Instead of said follower portion,` the gear i has the forward or closed portion of the housing 2c restricted in cro. s-section, as indicated atA 56, toprovide apocket receiving the double coil helical spring fil' between the end wall 48 of the housing 2c and an intermediate follower 49. Movement of the follower @it for compressing the spring M is limited by shoulders engaged bythe side portions of said follower when the spring l has been compressed te the desired extent. The curved plate springs Zic, as in previous embodiments, engage liners 225C which, of course, move with the follower iii as the gear is compressed or allowed to release. The remainder of the mechanism, including the other intermediate follower 28, the spring wear plate 33C, the wedge blocks I2C, the center wedge idc, the pin Sec, and the retainer d50, may correspond generally with that of Figures 'l and 8, except that, in the present embodiment, the center wedge i5c is shown separate from the associated follower itc.

Referring now to the embodiment of my invention illustrated in Figure 1l, I have provided a relatively short bottle type of gear, singleended like those of Figures ll, 5, 5, 9 and l0, but

shorter in that the liners 23d of the gear Id are supported directly o-n the end `or front wall 38d of the housing 2d, instead of on intermediate abutment portions. In the present embodiment, the liners 23d are of double thickness, or each comprises two parts, an inner part 5i and an outer part 52. The inner liner member 5i is desirably made longer and bent where it extends beyond the outer liner 52 at about 45, so that when the follower 28d is entered, it cannot possibly foul the liner. The transversely bent portion of the liner 5l is, as in previous embodiments, slotted, as indicated at 26d, to receive the locating nibs 2id of the plate springs 2id. The outer liner 52 need not be notched, but lead is desirably applied between the transversely extending anges of the associated liners, as by plating, for a purpose previously explained in connection with the description of Figures 1, 2 and 3. Except as specifically described in connection with the present embodiment, the same may correspond substantially with that of Figures 9 and l0. The manner of entering the follower 23d and its associated spring plate wear member 38d, curved when free of compression, is illustrated diagrammatically by dot-and-dash lines.

Referring now to the embodiment of my invention illustrated in Figure l2, a short bottle type gear le has been provided corresponding generally with that of Figure li, except that single liners 23e are employed as in the embodiment of Figures l, 2 and 3, rather than double liners,

as in the embodiment of Figure 1l. Further dif- 75 wood, to hold the gear initially to less than pocket ferences residein thefact that the intermediate follower 28e has no wear member, and the wedge blocks I2e and center wedge I5e are rmaintained assembled by a longitudinal boltV 39e rather than a transverse pin, said longitudinal bolt,v desirably having its head 53 Ycountersunk in the follower 28e and a nut 54 4applied to the endwhich extends into the lcenter wedge |56. Two washers 55 may be employed between the nut and the adjacent portion ofthe wedge 15e. One of the washers 55 acts normally and the other is'formed of destructible material, such as lee-.dor hard length to facilitate application. vDuring use 'the destructible Washer is eliminated, letting the gear assume its normal length. Except as specically described, the construction may. correspond generally with that of Figurell.

Referring now to the embodiment vof my invention illustrated in Figure 13, a relatively short bottle type gear If is disclosed, which gear corresponds generally with that of Figure l1, except that single rather than double liners 231 are employed, as in the embodiment of Figure 12, in a housing 2f, and the center wedge |5f, the associated integral follower I6f and the associated wedge blocks I2f correspond withthose of the embodiment of Figures l, 2 and 3. The drawings illustrate how the parts are .assembled and disassembled by means of a plunger 56 and press 51. The assembly of the parts involves positioning all'parts in the housing except thecenter wedge .I5f. The assembly plunger 55 is then inserted through the aperture 58 in thel center wedge I5f and the springs 2 lf compressed through the follower 2Bf and spring wear member 38f to approximately seventy-veper cent. of their full compressibility, at which time the center wedge l5f will fall intoplace. Disassembly isk accomplished in reverse order.

Referring now to the embodiment of my invention illustrated in Figure 14, a gear Ig is disclosed corresponding substantially'with that of Figures 4, 5 and 6, except thatinstead of .having an intermediate follower and spring plate wear member,` IV have an intermediate follower 28g which is similar to the follower 23 disclosed in Flguresl to 3, inclusive, the spring contacting surface of which is cylindrically concave, as indicated at 59', to conform'with the final curvature of the spring pack 2|g when fully compressed under the predetermined travel. In the present structure it will be observed that the wear plate 'lll of the embodiment of Figures 1 to 3 has been omitted, the wedge blocks being adapted to slidably engage the inter-mediate follower 285. `Except as specifically described, the construction of the gear Ig may correspond with that of Figures 4, 5 and 6, except that'the center wedge I5g is shown integral with the follower l5?, as in the embodiment of Figures 1, 2 and 3.

' Referring now to the embodiment of my invention illustrated in Figures 15 and 16, I have disclosed a gear Ih relatively short, like those of y Figures 11 and 12, but otherwise corresponding substantially with the gear of Figures 4, 5 and 6, except that the means functioning as a center plunger or wedge is split into two wedges I5h and a T-shaped intermediate follower 28h is employed, providing a central iin 50 against which the separated halves I5h of the plunger bear, thereby producing additional frictional resistance. The iin S is desirably reinforced at its sides by generally triangular gusset portions 5| which extend to the main or follower portion 28h.

Except as specifically described, the construction may otherwise correspond generally with the embodiment of Figures 4, 5 and 6.

Referring now to the embodiment of my invention illustrated in Figure 17, a gear Ik is fragmentarily disclosed corresponding generally with the short bottle typegears of Figures 11 and 12, with special provision to reduce wear and gouging from the sharp edges of the leaf springs involving the employment of a spring wear piece El', desirably of Y, material heavier than that of the leaf springs 2 Ik, and of relatively small camber, so that it comes into action only a short distance before,l the gear closes, tending to increase the capacity ofV the gear sharply toward the end of its travel. The spring leaves areV shown provided with nibs 21k received in corresponding slots or depressions 62 in the wear plate Bi; Except as specifically described, the construction may correspond with either of the emrightangles like that ofv Figure 17, the ends being merely ground off, as indicated at 66, to avoid gouging between said plate and the end wall 48m of the housing 2m. A stack of plate springs 2 Im, only partially illustrated, may be employed,'hav

ing nibs 21111, with those on the innermost plate received in corresponding depressions or pockets 62mV in the wear plate tlm. The plate Slm, in the present embodiment, and the platel 6l' of the preceding embodiment, by extending beyond the stack of springs associated therewith and interlocked with said springs, retains the sharp edges of the springs out of .engagement with the walls of the housing, as well as preventing the edges of the inner spring from gouging the end wall or spring abutment portions of the housing.

From the foregoing description, taken in connection with thel accompanying drawings, it'will be seen that I have devised what I call a bottle type gear which may be double-ended for selective travel purposes, or single-ended to interchange with the conventional friction draft gear. The gear comprises a housing carrying a relatively large number of curved leaf springs, with the provision of a differential wedge arrangement which may allow a coupler movement of two and five-eighths inches'for a plate compression of one inch. A precurved wear plate and plunger release spring may be employed in connection with any type of gear illustrated, although not shown on all types, as will be understood,` said plate being either on the outside or wedge-blockadjacent face of the follower, or on the inside or spring-adjacent face of said follower. Gougsirably accomplished by means of a press and J5 plunger, as described. The double-ended gear may be symmetrical or unsymmetrical, thereby providing for exactly double the shock absorbing capacity for bufing forces, as compared with draft forces, or some other ratio. Increased capacity may be provided by the use of a T-shaped follower, with a central n engaged by separated portions of a central wedge. The fatigue liferof the curved piate springs may be increased by the employment of a follower with a cylindrically concave spring engaging surface, which follower may be employed with any one, or all, of the embodiments disclosed.

Although preferred'ernbodiments of my invention have been illustrated, it will be understood that additional modifications may be made Within the spirit and scope of the appended claims.

1. A double-ended draft gear comprising housing with longitudinal walls having end portions extending diagonally inward to decrease the end size and provide outwardly converging friction surfaces at both ends, wedge blocks at each end of the housing with outer faces frictionally engaging said surfaces and also provided with surfaces inwardly converging with respect to one another, a spreader wedge at each end of. the housing acting between said blocks and having corresponding friction faces engaging said inwardly converging friction faces onv the blocks, a set of nested plate springs adjacent each end of the housing, concavely curved toward and supported by portions adjacent` the center thereof, and an intermediate follower disposed between each set of springs and the adjacent wedge blocks with its inner surface concave about radii larger than the normal curvature of said springs andV engaging the convex outer surface of the outer one of said springs, andV its outer surface frictionally engaged by the inner surface of said wedge blocks.

2. A double-ended draft gear comprising a housing with longitudinal walls having end portions extending diagonally inward to decrease the end size and provide outwardly converging friction surfaces at both ends, wedge blocks at each end of the housing with outer facesl frictionally engaging said surfaces and also provided with surfaces inwardly converging with respect to one another, Va spreader wedge at each end of the housing acting between said blocks and having corresponding friction faces engaging said inwardly converging friction faces on the blocks, an end follower associated with each spreader wedge, a set of nested plate springs adjacent each end of the housing, concavely curved toward and supported by portions adjacent the center thereof, an intermediate follower disposed between each set of springs and the adjacent Wedge blocks with its inner surface concave about radii larger than the normal curvature of said springs and engaging the convex outer surface of the outer one of said springs, and its outer surface frictionally engaged by the inner surface of said wedge blocks, the spreader wedge at one end being blunter than that at the other, and its follower normally spaced a distance from the housing different from that of the follower at the other end toprovide for different travels of the mechanisms at the two ends of the gear.

3. Cushioning mechanism comprising a housing with longitudinal walls having end portions extending diagonally to decrease the end size and. provide outwardly converging friction surfaces, wedge blocks with outer faces frictionally engagconcave about vradii larger than the normal curvature of said springs and acting on the con-` Vex outer surface of the outer one of said springs.

and an additional surface on said follower means frictionally engaged by the inner surfaces of said wedge blocks, the construction comprising means for preventing undesired disconnection between said spreader wedge and the housing.

4. Cushioning mechanism comprising a housing with longitudinal walls terminating in end portions provided with outwardly converging friction surfaces, ardifferential wedge assembly comprising wedge blocks generally equilateral trian- Y gular in section associated with said housing adjacent said friction surfaces to provide for a longitudinal movement of a central wedge considerably greater than that of associated side wedges, a set of nested plate springs concavely curved toward a portion of the housing remote Vfrom the friction surfaces,V and follower means disposed between said set and the wedge assembly and provided with an inner arcuate surface concave about radii greater than the normal 2";

curvature of said springs and an outer surface frictionally engaged by some of the wedgescomprising said assembly, the construction comprising means for preventing undesired disconnection of the wedge assembly and housing.

5. Cushioning mechanism comprising a hous- A* ing with longitudinal walls terminating in end portions provided with outwardly converging friction surfaces, Wedge blocks with outerv faces frictionally engaging said surfaces and also provided with faces inwardly converging with respect to one another, spreader wedge means acting between said blocks and having corresponding friction faces engaging said inwardly converging friction faces on the blocks, said housing being providedrwith transverse abutment portions dis- 'i posed inwardly of said blocks, a set of nested plate springs concavely curved toward said abutment portions and with the ends of the innerk spring supported thereon, follower means disposed between said 'set and the wedge blocks, and including a follower member and a wear plate and wedge release spring curved, when free of pressure, engaging one face of said follower member and exerting pressure on the springs and blocks to facilitate release of the mechanism the construction comprising means for preventlng undesired disconnection between said spreader wedge and wedge blocks.

6. Cushioning mechanismY embodying a hou-sing with longitudinal walls terminating in end portions provided with outwardly converging friction surfaces, wedge blocks with outer faces frictionally engaging said surfaces and provided with faces inwardly converging with respect to one another, center wedge means acting between said blocks and having corresponding friction faces engaging said inwardly converging friction faces on the blocks, said housing having means providing abutments, a set of plate springs concavely curved toward said abutments and with the ends of the inner spring supported thereby, plates disposed between opposite side edges of said springs and the adjacent walls of said housing to avoid wear on said walls, the inner end portions of said Aplates being angularly disposed to overlie said abutments and be slidably engaged by the ends of said inner spring, and follower means disposed between said set and the wedge blocks, acting on the convex outer surface of the outer one of said springs and frictionally engaged by the inner surfaces of said wedge blocks, the construction comprising means for preventing undesired disconnection between said center wedge and wedge blocks.

7. Cushioning mechanism comprising a housing with longitudinal walls terminating in end portions provided with outwardly converging friction surfaces, wedge blocks with outer faces frictionally engaging said surfaces and provided with other faces inwardly converging with respect to one another, a center wedge acting between said blocks and having corresponding friction faces engaging said inwardly converging friction faces on the blocks, said housing being provided with transverse abutment portions disposed inwardly of said blocks, a follower disposed outwardly of said abutment portions and adapted to engage the same upon compression of the mechanism, coil spring means received in said housing inwardly of said abutment portions, a set of plate springs concavely curved toward said follower and with the ends of the inner spring acting thereon, and follower means disposed between said set and the wedge blocks, acting on the convex outer surface of the outer one of said springs and frictionally engaged by the inner surfaces of the wedge blocks, the construction comprising means for preventing undesired disconnection between said center wedge and the housing.

8. Cushioning mechanism comprising a housing with longitudinal walls terminating in end portions provided with outwardly converging friction surfaces, wedge blocks with outer faces frictionally engaging said surfaces and provided with faces inwardly converging with respect to one another, center wedge means acting Vbetween said blocks and having corresponding friction faces engaging said inwardly converging friction faces on the blocks, relatively narrow tongues on said center wedge means fitting in corresponding grooves in said wedge blocks and providing normally engaging shoulders on said center wedge means and wedge blocks to only limit movement of said center wedge means outwardly of the housing, a set of nested plate springs concavely curved away from said wedge blocks and supported by a portion of ythe housing, and follower means disposed between said set and said Vwedge blocks, acting on the convex outer surface of said set, and frictionally engaged by said wedge blocks.

9. Cushioning mechanism comprising a housing with longitudinal walls terminating in end portions provided with outwardly converging friotion surfaces, wedge blocks with outer faces frictionally engaging said surfaces and provided with faces inwardly converging with respect to one another, other wedge blocks acting between said blocks and having corresponding friction faces engaging said inwardly converging friction faces on the blocks, a set of plate springs supported on a portion of said housing, and a follower disposed between said plate springs and wedge blocks, said follower having a longitudinally eX- tending web disposed between and frictionally engaged by said other wedge blocks for increasing the capacity of the mechanism.

l0. Cushioning mechanism comprising a housing with longitudinal outer walls terminating in diagonally extending end portions provided with outwardly converging friction surfaces, wedge blocks with outer faces frictionally engaging said surfaces, and other faces inwardly converging with respect to one another, a spreader wedge acting between said blocks and having corresponding friction faces engaging said inwardly converging friction faces on the blocks, a set of nested plate springs of uniform length and concavely curved way from said blocks, said 'housing having end abutments on which edges of t end spring, on the concave side of the nest, iiictionally slide when the mechanism is operated and follower means disposed between the outer spring and said wedge blocks, said follower means having an outer surface slidably engaged by said 'wedge blocks and a surface, engaging said outer Spring, which is concave about a larger radius than the normal curvature of said spring, in order to avoid reversal of curvature under load and consequent decrease in the fatigue life.

li. Cushioning mechanism comprising a housing provided with inclined friction surfaces, friction means slidable on said surfaces and `adapted for longitudinal and transverse movement, an element movable in said housing, a set of nested plate springs concavely curved away from said element, and abutments on said housing normally slidably engaged by the ends of the spring, at the concave end of said set, said element having a fiat outer friction surface engaged by said friction means and an inner surface engaging the adjacent spring and concavely curved about a radius larger than that of the normal curvature of said spring, in order to avoid reversal of curvature under load and consequent decrease in the fatigue life.

i2. Cushioning mechanism comprising a housing with two pairs of longitudinal walls one pair of which terminates in end portions provided with friction surfaces, wedge blocks frictionally engaging said surfaces, a wedge acting on saidl wedge blocks, a set of plate springs concavely curved toward and supported by abutment portions on said housing inwardly of said blocks, liner plates interposed between opposite side edges of said springs and adjacent wall of said housing, said liner plates having an angularly disposed portion bearing against said abutments and slidably engaged by the inner plate of said springs, and a follower disposed between said springs and the wedge blocks, with its inner surface engaging the convex outer surface of said springs and its outer surface frictionally engaged by said wedge blocks. The construction comprising means for preventing undesired disconnection of the parts from the housing, said housing having a portion remote from said friction surfaces, beyond the portions supporting said springs, and formed with a slot for the reception of a draft key.

13. The method of assembling the elements of a friction draft gear involving a housing with a restricted outer opening providing outwardly converging friction surfaces, wedge blocks engaging said surfaces, a center wedge having an aperture extending therethrough, curved plate springs and an intermediate follower, comprising positioning of the parts in the housing except the center wedge, inserting means through the aperture in the center wedge, and compressing the springs through the follower by said means until said center wedge falls into place.

14. Cushioning mechanism comprising a housing with inclined friction surfaces, friction means slidable on said friction surfaces, toward and away from the center of said housing, a plurality of nests of curved plate springs, with their concave sides facing one another and their convex sides facing said friction means, said means com-V with additional faces inwardly converging with respect to one another, a center Wedge acting between said blocks and having corresponding friction faces engaging said inwardly converging faces on the blocks, a set or" plate springs conu cavely curved toward abutment portions formed in said housing inwardly of said blocks, liner plates interposed between opposite side edges of said springs and adjacent walls of the housing, said liner plates having an angularly disposed portion bearing against said abutments and slidably engaged by the inner plate of said springs, follower means interposed between said spring set and wedge blocks having an inner surface concave about radii larger than the normal curvature of said spring set acting on the concave outer surface of the spring set and an outer surface frictionally engaged by said wedge blocks, the construction providing means for preventing undesired disconnection between said center wedge and wedge blocks.

' EMIL H. BLATTNER.

CERTIFICATE OF CORRECTION. Patent No. 2,101+,11Lp January Li,k1958.

EMIL H. BLATTNER.

It is hereby certified that error appears in the printed specification of the abovennmbered patent requiring correction as follows; Page 7, second column, line 59, claim 12, for the words "blocks. The" read blocks, Ithe;

and that the said Letters Patent shouldbe read with this correction therein that the same may conform to the record of the case in the Patent Office.v

Signed and sealed this 22nd day of February, A. D 1958.

M Henry Van Arsdale,

(Seal) Acting` Commissioner of Patents. 

